Early Beginnings and Musical Journey
TolumiDE’s roots in Nigeria are the foundation of her musical journey. As a child, she participated in school choirs and cultural dance groups, drawing early inspiration from her native culture. After moving to Canada to study Graphic Arts at York University, she found a vibrant artistic community that fostered her growth as both a visual artist and musician. “My faculty was filled with art, music, dance, film, and multimedia—all of which I had always wanted to explore,” she reflects.
While studying Fine Art at York University in Toronto, she became the lead soul vocalist of the multi-nominated all-female dancehall reggae band Women Ah Run Tings. Over six years, the group garnered attention for their unique mix of Dancehall, Roots, R&B, Rock, and Hip-Hop influences. They earned four Canadian Reggae Award nominations, opened for legendary artists such as Burning Spear and Beenie Man, and their music videos debuted on Much Music, Canada’s top music video channel. During this time, TolumiDE, known as “Tini” in the band, honed her performance skills, becoming an accomplished live performer, with a knack for engaging audiences through vibrant, soulful performances.
However, it was after she moved to the United States to pursue a career in graphic design that TolumiDE fully embraced her solo career. Settling in Baltimore, Maryland, she quickly found herself performing at open mics, festivals, and weddings, and soon garnered a following for her eclectic stage presence and intimate songwriting. She explored themes of love, life, laughter, and her Yorùbá heritage, fusing these influences with her own distinctive urban soul style. Her ability to blend different genres and languages into a seamless musical experience sets her apart from other artists in the industry.
Solo Career and Albums
TolumiDE bares her musical soul in her solo career, especially on her albums Specialty, My Love and Mama Sunshine, which explore personal growth, love, and self-assurance. Her debut full length album My Love, released in 2010, received critical acclaim for its mix of R&B, Gospel, Jazz, Reggae, and Afropop. The title track My Love became a fan favorite, with its music video earning nominations at the Channel O Music Video Awards (South Africa), WAMA Awards, and being featured on platforms like MTV Base, Trace TV, and Gospel Music Channel.
Her third album Mama Sunshine continued this journey, delving into themes of hope, nostalgia, and resilience. The album sheds light on overcoming challenges with positivity, and its acoustic elements were praised for offering a more intimate and raw glimpse into TolumiDE’s artistry. One of the standout tracks, Your Arms (Fun Mi Layo), blends Afro-soul with joyous, heartfelt lyrics, capturing the essence of the happiness and love she seeks to bring to her audience.
Her most recent release, Throwback, is a nostalgic celebration of the golden days of her upbringing and cultural heritage. The song resonates deeply with listeners, reflecting on memories that inspire joy and connection.
Performance Skills and Themes
TolumiDE is celebrated for her live performances, which are an immersive experience for audiences. Whether performing solo acoustic sets with African drums or leading a full band of talented musicians, she captivates audiences with vibrant energy and her distinct ability to create an emotional connection. Her performances not only highlight her vocal talent but also her dynamic stage presence and engaging storytelling. She invites participation through song and dance, often exploring themes of love, faith, and cultural identity. Singing in both English and Yorùbá, she connects deeply with her roots while offering universal messages of inspiration, empowerment, and gratitude.
Her repertoire includes performances at prestigious venues like Artscape, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and World Bank, as well as headlining shows at legendary venues like Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. She’s opened for renowned global acts such as Les Nubians, P-Square, and Salif Keita, proving her ability to captivate diverse audiences across genres.
Film Feature: ‘Over the Bridge’
TolumiDE’s talents extend beyond the music stage to the world of film. Her song Mama Sunshine was prominently featured in the Nollywood film Over the Bridge, produced by Garden Theatre in their debut feature film. Over the Bridge received critical acclaim and was showcased at renowned film festivals, including the New York African Film Festival and the African Film Festival – DMV. The film garnered 12 nominations and won two awards, further cementing TolumiDE’s place in the African entertainment industry. The inclusion of Mama Sunshine in the film highlights her ability to connect emotionally through music, as the song’s uplifting message perfectly complements the movie’s narrative.
Collaborations and Media Appearances
TolumiDE has worked with an impressive roster of artists and producers throughout her career. She is a featured artist on Mexican singer Tonga Conga’s debut album Jevi, under Virgin Music MX. Other collaborations include work with D-Black da Ghana Bwouy (Black Avenue Muzik), Latunde Silver (LS Entertainment Music), Stacy Kidd (House 4 Life Records), and Thomas Blondet (Rhythm & Culture Music).
Her media appearances span across international platforms, including Voice of America, MTV Base, Channel O (South Africa), Trace TV (France), BET International (Europe), Channels TV (Nigeria), Soundcity, and Afrotainment. These features have introduced her sound to a global audience, further cementing her as an influential and dynamic artist.
Community Engagement and Recognition
TolumiDE is deeply committed to her community. She serves as a Governor with Washington DC chapter board of the Recording Academy and is an executive member of the Afropolitan Youth Association. Through her involvement, she plays a key role in nurturing and promoting cultural and artistic talent. TolumiDE’s music is more than just entertainment; it’s a celebration of life, culture, and the power of music to bring people together. With her distinctive ‘Suya Soul’ sound, she continues to inspire and uplift audiences, making her a standout artist in today’s global music landscape. Her music and artistry have earned her numerous awards, including the Best Female R&B Artist at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards and nominations at the Channel O Music Video Awards and the Washington Area Music Awards (WAMAs).
SUMMARY
TolumiDE is a multi-talented, award-winning singer-songwriter who blends soulful vocals, warm lyrics, and groovy African rhythms to create her signature sound, which she aptly calls ‘Suya Soul.’ Suya, a popular spicy grilled kebab skewer indigenous to Nigeria, represents the unique flavor she offers listeners, merging contemporary R&B with Afropop. “My music is a fusion of African pop music with contemporary R&B,” says TolumiDE. “Like suya, it’s a spicy, soulful experience.” Born in Toronto, raised in Lagos, and now based in Washington, D.C., she effortlessly sings in English and Yorùbá, her native language, to deliver music that’s both deeply personal and culturally enriching.
TolumiDE’s journey is one of artistic evolution, beginning with her acclaimed albums My Love and Mama Sunshine. These works transport listeners to a tropical oasis of feel-good vibes, celebrating love, life, and faith. Her accolades include the Nigerian Entertainment Award for Best R&B Female Artist, and her latest single ‘Throwback’ peaked at #3 on the Global Top Independent Airplay chart.
TolumiDE is not only a musician but a storyteller, drawing from her rich heritage and personal experiences to create music that inspires and uplifts. As she continues to evolve, her music remains a powerful testament to her journey, heritage, and the universal themes of love, faith, and perseverance.